Young Jazz Ensemble Collection: 1st B-flat Trumpet Book

You'll move between the cool blues swagger of 'Jumpin' at the Woodside,' the rhythmic sass of 'Jungle Boogie,' and the intimate ballad space of 'Misty,' all within one rehearsal cycle. The 5/4 meter of 'Take Five' offers a satisfying challenge that rewards careful listening and rhythmic independence from your section mates.

First trumpet players in young jazz ensembles, typically middle school through early high school, who are ready for real jazz writing but need charts designed for their section size and reading level. This collection works equally well for ensembles with full instrumentation or scaled-down groups.

• Balance your entrance timing with the rhythm section, especially in the Latin and swing feels where the pocket matters more than lining up with the melody.
• Listen to the conductor's CD before rehearsal to understand the style and tempo of each chart. The range from ballads like 'Misty' to rockers like 'Jungle Boogie' requires different approaches to phrasing and articulation.
• In 'Take Five,' lock the 5/4 meter early. Count silently through the rhythm section intro, and use the written solos as a guide for where the downbeats actually fall.
• When a solo section has written-out parts, use them as templates for phrasing and harmony, but internalize them so you're not reading during ensemble entries.

Build a jazz concert around these twelve titles by pairing contrasting styles: open with an uptempo swing number, move into a ballad or Latin tune, and close with a rock or holiday selection. The variety and consistent level make this an ideal resource for a full jazz season, or you can pull three to four charts for a mixed concert where jazz shares billing with your classical repertoire.

• Swing phrasing and feel in jazz contexts
• Reading written-out solos and using them as harmonic guides
• Interpreting chord symbols and jazz articulation across different styles
• Rhythmic precision in non-standard meters, specifically 5/4
• Ensemble balance and communication with the rhythm section
• Sectional unity as first trumpet in four-part brass writing